Hi everyone. I noticed tonight while lifting that I feel a lot of strain/pressure around my knees, towards the bottom.... even when I lighten the weight. My quads/hams/calves are all getting stronger, but I'd like to find out if there is a way to strengthen up the area immediately around the knees.... I am sure there are muscles in that area, or maybe not. Anyway, does anyone know what I am talking about? The exercises I was doing to notice this are: leg press, leg extensions.

Thanks!

Pug

not sure, you are already doing the exercises that work that area.
How often do you train legs?
You may need to take a week off from leg training.

This is your first week of training, right? Have you ever done a squat or extension, recently? You might need to back off on weights till you get form down, I suggest you do the exercises smoothly and slow, no jerks or explosive moves.

I wouldn't take a week off, just yet. :D

This is your first week of training, right? Have you ever done a squat or extension, recently? You might need to back off on weights till you get form down, I suggest you do the exercises smoothly and slow, no jerks or explosive moves.

I wouldn't take a week off, just yet. :D

this is kinda related but i also sometimes hvae problems around my knee joints.

when i do squats i'm fine (i only squat ~185), but sometimes, when i'm running on pavement for more than 2 miles, my knees hurt on the sides the next day. the other day i tried the indoor track and it's even worse... 3 days later, i'm feeling sharp pains around my knees. anyone have an idea of what's wrong?

this is kinda related but i also sometimes hvae problems around my knee joints.

when i do squats i'm fine (i only squat ~185), but sometimes, when i'm running on pavement for more than 2 miles, my knees hurt on the sides the next day. the other day i tried the indoor track and it's even worse... 3 days later, i'm feeling sharp pains around my knees. anyone have an idea of what's wrong?

I'm a former competitive runner and a big running fan and supporter. But running can be hard on the knees, and some individuals are much more suited to it than others. Pavement (especially cement sidewalks) is the worst surface you can run on. An indoor track is better than pavement, but the sharp turns can place stress on your knees. The turns and surface of an outdoor track are better. The best option is probably a softer surface like grass fields or gravel trails. The verdict on stretching is not out, but it can't hurt and many believe it to help prevent injury. Your legs will also probably feel better during your runs if properly stretched. Ice your legs if experiencing pain. Consider a few days off from running. Consider incorporating some type of low impact cross-training. Continue to squat and do other leg exercises. As long as you're not overdoing it, it's beneficial. Week muscles put strain on the knee joint. Most rehabilation programs for running-related or other leg injuries employ some type of weight training for the legs.

This is your first week of training, right? Have you ever done a squat or extension, recently? You might need to back off on weights till you get form down, I suggest you do the exercises smoothly and slow, no jerks or explosive moves.

I wouldn't take a week off, just yet. :D

No week off for me, don't be silly! :D I think what I will do is check my form on the machines to ensure I am on track. I will then start out with no weight.... if it subsides, cool; if not, I guess I will attribute it to my 5 days per week doing cardio early in the AM for 45 minutes :rolleyes: . I'll see what I can come up with...

Pug

I guess I will attribute it to my 5 days per week doing cardio early in the AM for 45 minutes :rolleyes: .

I didn't want to say it, I might be biased. :D